Overview
Under the direction of the Probate and Family Court Services Manager, the Child Custody Recommending Counselor mediates custody and visitation disputes, advocates for child or children in resolution of disputes, and performs related duties as required. As directed by Penal Code Section 11165.7 the individual holding this position is a mandated reporter.
Distinguishing Characteristics:
This professional class is utilized in the Probate and Family Court Services Unit to perform mandated mediation services.
EXAMPLE OF DUTIES
Mediates child custody disputes referred from Superior Court (mandated by Family Code Sections 3164 and 1815); meets with parents to obtain information and to negotiate agreements; meets with child or children as appropriate to determine their interests; consults with therapists, social workers, schools, medical personnel, and others to investigate and evaluate allegations submitted by parents during mediation process to determine the best interests of the child.
Develops proposals to resolve custody matters; prepares written agreements when agreement is reached; prepares written recommendations on custody issues when agreement is not reached; prepares initial and supplemental reports as needed on all cases seen in mediation; testifies in court.
Requests, reads, and interprets psychological evaluations; provides counseling to address immediate issues; recommends counseling or other interventions as appropriate.
Participates in case conferences and meetings; consults with Family Law attorneys as needed; performs home evaluations as needed, usually at the request of other jurisdictions; evaluates whether underage couples are ready for marriage and recommends issuance or nonissuance of marriage license; orients parents to mediation program.
Meets with parents seeking interim custody orders; works with parties to develop suitable interim agreements and recommends interim orders.
Assists with training new Child Custody Recommending Counselors; reviews journals, literature, and law reviews; participates in training to maintain job skills and updates as mandated by law.
Identifies appropriate community resources; represents the Court in meetings, committees, and with community organizations.
QUALIFICATIONS/REQUIREMENTS
Education
Graduation from an accredited college or university with a Master’s degree in social work, psychology, sociology, marriage and family counseling, pastoral counseling, or a closely related field. Licensure as a Psychologist, Social Worker, and Marriage and Family Therapist is preferred.
Experience
Two (2) or more years of experience in counseling or psychotherapy, preferably in a setting related to the areas of responsibility of the Family Court or any combination of training and experience that provides the desired knowledge and abilities.
Knowledge of:
- California Court System, Civil Code, Family Code, and Family Court policies, procedures, and laws related to Family Court matters;
- Family therapy and major mediation and child development theories, character disorders, mental disorders, adult psychopathology and personality disorders;
Principles and practices of interviewing, counseling, investigation, casework, anger abatement, and crisis intervention techniques.
Ability to:
- Analyze information and make sound decisions;
- Establish and maintain effective working relationships with clients, court employees, coworkers, and others;
- Assess domestic violence and related family dynamics;
- Communicate and interact in situations requiring interviewing, instructing, persuading, consulting, counseling, and motivating people;
- Testify regarding evaluations and recommendations;
- Understand and apply statutes, Court rules, and case law affecting the operations of the Family Court;
Communicate effectively, both orally and in writing.
APPLICATION AND SELECTION INFORMATION
Carefully complete your application and supplemental questionnaire and submit by the application deadline. A cover letter and resume are not accepted as a replacement for your application.
Complete all requested information fully. Incomplete applications will not be processed and your application will be rejected if you write statements such as “See/Refer to Resume” or “See Attached.”
It is important that your application show all the relevant education and experience you possess. If you held multiple positions with the same employer, please list each job title and duties separately. Explain gaps between any employment periods by way of a separate attachment to the application.
Minimum requirements must be met at the time of filing.
The work experience portion of your application profile should account for all employment within the last 10 years, including your current or most recent position. Include U.S. Military Service, self-employment, and relevant unpaid volunteer work.
Incomplete application materials, false statements, omission of a material fact, or partial information will result in disqualification.
The Court reserves the right to modify the selection/examination process at its discretion.
If you submit multiple applications, ONLY your most recent application and attachments will be considered.
All correspondence regarding the selection process is sent via email. You are responsible for checking your email account on a regular basis to find out the status of your application.
A qualifications appraisal committee will review applications and requested materials, and only the best-qualified candidates will be invited to interview for this position. Meeting the announced requirements does not guarantee inclusion into the selection process.
Travel expenses to appear for an interview will not be reimbursed.
Shasta County Superior Court is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Arrangements may be made to accommodate applicants with disabilities by informing Human Resources in writing or by telephone at the time of application.
Minimum Education and Experience